Ross Barkley is not impressed with Everton manager Ronald Koeman issuing the midfielder an ultimatum over his contract situation publicly, reports The Gambling Times.
What’s the word?
Everton are likely to be regular features in the transfer gossip columns this summer due to the futures of both Barkley and Romelu Lukaku uncertain.
In Barkley’s situation, he comes to the end of his current contract in the summer of 2018, but Koeman recently told the media that the midfielder will be sold at the end of the season if he does not agree a new deal.
The public manner in which he delivered this ultimatum has left Barkley feeling unhappy, claims The Gambling Times reporter Graeme Bailey, who previously worked for Sky Sports.
Could this cause a rift?
It was clear earlier in the season that Koeman was not impressed with Barkley’s performances on the pitch.
Once again, he used the media to deliver a message, warning the midfielder that he will not get back in the team until he improves.
It seemed to have worked as Barkley has been a regular starter, but he is still searching for consistency, despite creating eight assists and scoring four goals in the Premier League.
The relationship between the pair seems normal at the moment, but if the 23-year-old is upset by Koeman’s comments, there could be friction.
Is Koeman using the right approach?
Considering that Barkley upped his game after receiving public criticism from Koeman suggests that perhaps that method does work.
However, the Dutchman’s comments about the contract situation has a danger of sparking debate about Barkley’s future.
The player himself has been quiet on the subject and has not given any indication that he wants to leave, but Koeman’s remarks suggest that he may be considering a change.
From a business viewpoint, it makes sense for Everton to sell Barkley this summer if he does not pen fresh terms because they risk losing him for nothing in 2018.
Perhaps the best thing, though, is to let this situation run behind the scenes.
